Chapter 10, Student Web Activities, Glencoe World Geography, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 10: Latin America Today
"Brazil"

Introduction
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth-largest country in the world. Occupying almost half of the continent, Brazil borders every South American country except Chile and Ecuador. After decades of military dictatorships, democracy returned to Brazil in 1989. However, this democracy is threatened by social conditions that include rampant poverty and the world's most unequal distribution of wealth.

Destination Title: Destination Brazil

Directions
Start at the Destination Brazil Web site.

Click on the topics Facts for the Traveler, Attractions, History, and Environment. Read the information on these pages, taking notes as you go.
You may click on the map of Brazil for reference.

Using the information gathered from this site, answer the following questions.

1. How is development impacting the environment of the Amazon region? What environmental threats endanger Brazil's wildlife?

2. Why was Brasília's current location picked as the site for the new capital? What are the disadvantages of living there?

3. What problems face the poor in Rio de Janeiro's favelas?

4. What impact have the reforms of the mid-1990s had on Brazil's economy?

5. The Amazon River and its surrounding forests are one of the world's most important and beautiful habitats. As you have learned, however, the rain forests and resources of the Amazon are rapidly being depleted or destroyed. Research to find out more about this problem. What specifically is causing the destruction? What is being done to counteract and correct the problem? What are some species that are being directly affected? Find data to support your research. Create a multimedia presentation (such as a PowerPoint presentation) to share your findings, or decorate a large poster board with pictures and information to share with your class.